All You Need to Know About Normal Delivery

Childbirth is one of the most exhilarating feelings for the parents. It is an event that leaves an impression on a person’s entire life. Childbirth is done in two ways, i.e., normal baby delivery and cesarean delivery. However, normal delivery is considered a safer yet painful method of childbirth. While the mother tries her absolute best for normal delivery, there is nothing that can guarantee the same.

What is Normal delivery?

A normal delivery, also known as a vaginal birth is the natural way of giving birth to a child. The birth of a child is a natural and psychological process that almost every woman is capable of performing. In fact, more than 95% of women are capable of normal delivery. The remaining cases may be termed as complications. One of the most important considerations during normal delivery are the words of motivation one gets to hear. Even during the most normal cases, it is impossible for the to-be mother to do without support and encouragement.

Improved chances of Normal Baby Delivery

Women prefer to have normal delivery over caesarean delivery because it has less number of complications and is much safer for the mother and child. There a number of factors that may pave way for normal delivery, some of that are-

1. Normal vaginal delivery in previous pregnancies.
2. Absence of any underlying health issues like asthma that may aggravate during pregnancy.
3. Ideal weight during the start of pregnancy increases the chances of a healthy baby and normal delivery. It also decreases the chances of the baby having any deformities at birth.
4. Smooth pregnancy period without complications.
5. Regular diet and exercises as prescribed by the doctor.

Early Phases of Labour

The amniotic sac is a membrane that surrounds the baby and is filled with fluid. Before the baby is born, this sac will almost rupture; however, in some cases, it remains intact till delivery. When this sac breaks, it is termed as water breaking. Mostly, the water breaks before the mother goes into labour or at the beginning of labour. When the water breaks, a gush of fluid rushes out of the body and is usually colourless. One needs to get in touch with the doctor if it is any other colour. The early phase of labour also involves contractions; it is the tightening and releasing of the uterus. These motions eventually assist in pushing the baby through the cervix. To identify if a woman is in true labour, notice if the contractions last for a minute, five minutes apart for an entire hour. If so, the woman is in labour. During labour, the role of the cervix changes from maintaining the pregnancy to facilitating the delivery.

Labour and Delivery

The cervical canal opens till the cervical opening has reached around 10 cm in diameter, and the baby is able to pass into the birth canal. This process may also have certain injuries due to the cervix tearing apart. This may happen when delivery occurs with excess force. The mother may choose to give birth in two ways, i.e., either with pain control medications or without it. Whatever one chooses, some sort of discomfort and pain is there in both cases.

Birth

After hours of pushing, the baby’s head emerges and relieves some of the pressure. Once the baby’s head comes out, the doctor suctions the baby’s mouth and nose to clear amniotic fluid and mucus. This is important before the baby starts crying. After this, the mother pushes again releasing the top and lower shoulder. One last push after that and the baby is delivered.

Placenta Delivery

During the nine months of pregnancy, the placenta and the amniotic sac support and protect the baby. Once the baby is delivered, the doctors need to deliver the placenta as well to avoid any infection later on. Preparing for labour and delivery is an unpredictable process that is nearly impossible. It is helpful to listen to other mother’s experiences and learn from them so as to make the entire process a little less mysterious. Having said that, it is impossible to prepare oneself for labour and delivery as it is a famously unpredictable process. Expectant mothers can write out a birth plan with assistance from the partner. If one does create any such plan, one should be prepared to change their mind in case the need arises. After all, the end goal is to give birth to a healthy baby.